Two fishermen have been rescued after their trawler rapidly sank near Kawau Island.

The trawler was returning home when its skipper reported the vessel taking on water off Moturekareka Island, in Kawau Bay north of Auckland. The fishermen turned the vessel towards the nearest land to investigate but the boat sank before they could do any more.

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard crew was alerted at 8.49pm yesterday and launched within 35 minutes, thanks to a quick response from volunteers.

Upon arrival, the team found only a small portion of the trawler’s bow visible above the water, with debris scattered across the area.

The two fishermen aboard had already made it to safety on a yacht anchored nearby.

The Coastguard unit transferred the fishermen from the yacht to a waiting trawler, with both men shocked but unharmed.

A warning has been issued to other boaties advising caution in the area due to debris, including nets and boat parts, which could pose a risk to vessels.

A witness to the aftermath, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were several fish bins, plastic boards, and lots of buffers surrounding the spot where the vessel sank.

“The debris seems to be concentrated around the old wreck and the coastline along to the north. Lots of fish. Of course, we can only see what is floating.”

They said there was a strong diesel stench in the area.

“The yacht that assisted the crew of the trawler last night [was] still in the bay advising people of the danger. The trawler is fully submerged.”

“We saw the same trawler in the bay yesterday and it appeared to be slightly listing to starboard and heavy in the stern... I’m glad the crew are safe.”

Kawaru Coastguard skipper Paul Steinkamp thanked the volunteers for their effort.

“We were really impressed [with the response time]. We have two types of callouts: regular and urgent. With urgent callouts, anyone who’s available responds, and we launch the boat as quickly as possible. To get the boat out and reach the location in 35 minutes is pretty much a record for us.”

He said maritime radio and the Harbour Master were alerted to the debris in the water, and the Harbour Master will coordinate with the insurance company and the salvers to deal with the wreck.

The reason for the trawler taking on water is not known.